Conservation Coin of the Month
Turning up the heat on your coins is hardly recommended. Environmental conditions are a key component in keeping your numismatic treasures stable in the long term. The best storage spot for your collection is a place where the humidity levels will be low and consistent, and where temperatures will not fluctuate. The basement, attic, and garage are among the worst places to store a collection.
Sadly, this 1896 $2.5 had suffered through a house fire, subjecting it to some extremes in temperature. The extreme heat had melted the coin’s holder and combined with soot in the severe environment of the fire, depositing a thick, dark material on the coin’s obverse. The conservators at NCS were able to safely remove this potentially damaging substance from the obverse as well as a lighter-colored residue from the reverse. This coin was able to grade with NGC following the conservation.
|
